Chapter 3: Chapter Three: Pregnant?

Venus Kellogg slightly raised her eyebrows.

To speak of openly snatching something in such a righteous manner, was Kristin Bennett truly naive or just pretending to be innocent?

Venus Kellogg did not respond but instead turned to look at Malcolm Godwin. His face showed no expression, as if he were looking at a stranger, but his eyes were filled with coldness and a faint warning.

A warning for what?

Was he afraid she would say something to shatter the dream of his precious darling?

Venus Kellogg smiled faintly, pulling her hand away from Shen Nianxue's, and looked at Kristin Bennett, curling her lips. "Compensation? What kind of compensation does Miss Bennett want to offer?"

"Whatever you want, just name it," Kristin Bennett said, looking somewhat awkward with her empty hands. She then moved to stand by Malcolm Godwin, holding onto his arm, and smiled lightly, like a pure white ice lotus. Her words sounded more like charity, grating on the ears.

Venus Kellogg held back her anger. "I only want my original role back. Will Miss Bennett give it to me?"

At these words, Nelson Francis and Erin Ruskin gasped, while Kristin Bennett's smile froze, her eyes showing a hint of shock. Malcolm Godwin's face became even colder, and the air instantly grew tense.

Venus Kellogg, satisfied with seeing Kristin Bennett's expression crack, curved her red lips. "Just joking. I didn't like that role anyway. It's perfect for Miss Bennett, and if you really want to repay someone, you should focus on repaying President."

After saying this, Venus Kellogg ignored everyone's reactions and turned to leave. As she passed by the recording studio, she overheard some staff members talking.

"What is the relationship between Miss Bennett and President?"

"You don't know? I heard from a little bird that President and Miss Bennett were childhood sweethearts. If it weren't for Miss Bennett suddenly falling ill and going abroad for treatment, they might have been engaged by now. These past few years, President has been waiting for Miss Bennett to return."

"Miss Bennett is so outstanding, beautiful, gentle, and considerate. If I were President, I'd wait for her too. They are truly a match made in heaven."

Hearing their conversation, Venus Kellogg felt nauseous. But since she hadn't eaten anything in the morning, she could only dry-heave.

When she came out of the restroom, they were still talking. One of them whispered, "Hey, did you hear? Venus Kellogg's role seems to have been changed."

"Really? Isn't Venus Kellogg the lead actress? Who replaced her?"

"Who else but Miss Bennett? Some people need to open their eyes and see that they can't compare to Miss Bennett."

"Don't you think Venus Kellogg and Miss Bennett look a bit alike?"

"Even if they do, at most, she's just a substitute. How can she compare to the real deal?"

The last sentence pierced Venus Kellogg's heart.

Substitute.

How fitting.

...

When she got home, Venus Kellogg received a message from Nelson Francis, saying that Kristin Bennett had specifically asked to practice acting with her and wanted to know if she would take the supporting role script.

Venus Kellogg stared at the message for a long time before replying, "Send me the supporting role script."

After sending the message, she threw her phone aside. There was a knock on the door.

Venus Kellogg wondered who would come at this hour. If it were her assistant or manager, they would have messaged her first. Puzzled, she got up to open the door.

The moment she saw who it was, Venus Kellogg thought she was dreaming or simply seeing things. But no, Malcolm Godwin stood there, cigarette in hand, with his assistant Myron Horatio standing beside him, head bowed.

He was tall, and in the swirling smoke, he looked down at Venus Kellogg.

Seeing him, Venus Kellogg's heart skipped a beat, but she tried to remain composed. "Why is President here?"

"Why, aren't you going to invite me in?"

With that, Malcolm Godwin stepped forward, but a slender, pale arm blocked his way. His gaze darkened, turning to the arm's owner.

Venus Kellogg said, "President, we can talk outside."

Malcolm Godwin's eyes narrowed. "Are you throwing a tantrum?"

Venus Kellogg replied calmly, "You're overthinking it. I just think it's inappropriate at this hour."

Malcolm Godwin said, "What if I insist on coming in?"

Venus Kellogg's eyes flashed with defiance. "That would be trespassing."

Malcolm Godwin scoffed. "Have you forgotten who bought this house?"

Venus Kellogg stiffened, a blush of shame spreading across her fair face, and her arm dropped limply. Malcolm Godwin stepped inside, making himself at home, sitting cross-legged in the living room as if he owned the place.

Venus Kellogg followed, unable to help asking, "President, what do you want to say?"

Malcolm Godwin's lean, pale fingers tapped lightly on his knee.

"Nianxue is joining the cast tomorrow. You know what to do."

Venus Kellogg instantly understood the meaning behind Malcolm Godwin's words. She pursed her lips, feeling a chill even though she believed she had no feelings for him. Her next words were sharp.

"Do you think I'll do something to Miss Bennett?"

Venus Kellogg was usually obedient and sensible around Malcolm Godwin, adapting to his unpredictable moods. For the generous allowance, she had always played her part perfectly, rarely being this sharp. It seemed that leaving him had unleashed her true self.

Malcolm Godwin's tone was icy. "Venus Kellogg."

He rarely called her by her full name. In fact, most of the time, he addressed her without any title. Venus Kellogg couldn't remember the last time he had called her by her name.

Malcolm Godwin's eyes were devoid of warmth, his words carrying a threat. "I remember your brother is in a sanatorium, and he has surgery in a few days."

As Malcolm Godwin spoke, Venus Kellogg's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at him.

Did he have to be so cruel?

Malcolm Godwin stood up calmly, lifting her small chin with his hand. Sensing her fear, his tone softened.

"Be good, and I'll compensate you in other ways."

"If you want to play the lead, I can give you another role, but not this time."

Malcolm Godwin's fingertips were cold, and Venus Kellogg shivered, her heart aching. She lowered her eyes, her red lips barely moving. "Okay."

Malcolm Godwin let go, leaving a final word. "I'll come to check tomorrow."

With that, he left. Only after the door closed did Venus Kellogg collapse onto the sofa, her back cold with sweat. She hadn't eaten much all day, and Malcolm Godwin's almost threatening words made her stomach churn.

There was little food in the kitchen. After searching, she found a pack of instant noodles. She sighed, resigned to boiling water.

The room soon filled with the heavy aroma of the noodles, and a layer of oil floated on top. Though she was hungry, the sight of the oil made her feel sick again.

She managed a few bites before rushing to the bathroom, vomiting everything she had eaten. Weak and exhausted, she crawled back to the sofa, finally realizing something was wrong.

She vaguely remembered forgetting to take her birth control pill the last time she left Malcolm Godwin. Now, nearly two months had passed, and her period was late.